Predictors of Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge and Vaccine acceptability among College Students of a private University

Abstract

Objectives: In low to middle-income countries, 12% of all female cancers were attributed to Human papillomavirus (HPV) which is the leading infectious cause of malignancy globally. This study identified the predictors of HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptability among college students of a private university with a highlight of the influence of the Health Belief Model.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 388 students of a privately owned university using a stratified sampling technique. The questionnaire was designed to assess the predictors of HPV Knowledge and highlight how the Health Belief Model influenced vaccine acceptability.

Result: Respondents’ perception of HPV screening benefits correlates positively (r=0.45, p<0.001) with vaccine acceptance. There is a negative weak correlation between the perception of HPV susceptibility and vaccine acceptability (r= -0.06, p=0.215). Predictors of overall knowledge of HPV infection include course of study, mother’s employment status and good family health status. The predictors of HPV vaccine acceptability were moderate knowledge of HPV infection and course of study

Conclusion: Perceived benefits of HPV screening positively influence vaccine. The cues to action that influenced HPV knowledge include the choice of course of study, perception of good family health and mother’s employment status. Perception of susceptibility to contracting HPV can be increased with better education and improved ways of counselling on the need for HPV screening, testing and vaccination.